PSAT Reading Question 441: Answer and Explanation

Question: 441

As used in line 36, "want" most closely means

• A. desire.
• B. abundance.
• C. lack.
• D. danger.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) Here, the "want of arms" inhibits America from bringing the amount of forces necessary to defeat the British fleet. So Jefferson means that there is a continual need or demand for limited military power. It is the "lack" of arms that prevents appropriate defense operations. If America had an abundance of military powers, as in choice (B), this would not be an issue. Since this is dealing with the availability of military forces, "danger" is not an appropriate choice. Choice (A) is appealing because Jefferson does desire more forces. However, read the sentence with "desire" in place before you choose it. It is not the desire for arms itself that prevents adequate defense but, instead, that the desire cannot be fulfilled.